September in Utah is full of fun events ranging from the Latin American festival on Center Street to the Dirty Dash 5k and 10k. Below are some of this month's highlights.
Festival attendee dances in traditional Latin clothing. The Latin American Festival will be held in downtown Provo over Labor Day weekend. (Centro Hispano)
Sept. 5: Festival Latinamericano
'For three days, Provo will embody the heart of Latin America,' said Edgar Zurita, Festival Latinoamericano president. 'The pulsing rhythms, delicious food and colorful costumes will transport you to a Latin getaway in the heart of Downtown Provo.'
The event is free to the public and will be held at 50 S. University Ave. in Provo over Labor Day weekend. Festivities will be from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 5.
Adrian Escalante, executive director of Centro Hispano, invites all attendees to share their experiences at the festival using #festivalprovo and help support Centro Hispano.
'As Centro Hispano, our mission is to empower individuals and families to improve their lives and community through educational programs, professional services and cultural experiences,' Escalante said.
Sept. 5: Polynesian Days
Another festival taking place over Labor Day weekend is the Polynesian Days Festival, which is held at Thanksgiving Point's Electric Park. This event is at 3003 Thanksgiving Way, in Lehi, and has free admission. Booths and food vendors will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thanksgiving Point will also be hosting a Labor Day Luau in the gardens that same day from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets for the luau are $27 when purchased in advance and will include dinner and a show.
Sept. 9: America 9/11 Musical
A musical depicting the attack of September 11 will play in the Provo Covey Center on Sept. 9. Audience members will be taken through the life-changing events of that day. The Covey Center is located at 425 W. Center St., in Provo, and tickets range from $20-25.
Sept. 9 & 10: Utah Summer Hammock Festival
A hammock festival, put on by The Weekend Voyagers and Hammock Tower Events, will take place at CLAS ropes course. The ropes course is located at 3606 Center Street in Provo. People can participate in canoeing, spike ball, food trucks and adding to the hammock tower. Tickets are $15 per day.
Sept. 17: Dirty Dash
The Fall Dirty Dash 5k and 10k race will be held at Soldier Hollow, 2002 Soldier Hollow Dr. in Midway. Runners will get as dirty as possible while trying to race each other to the finish line during the event. Registration is open now and is $55 until the day before the race, when the price increases to $65.
Sept. 17: Utah Music Awards
This event takes place at the Provo Covey Center each year to find the best unsigned musical talent in Utah. During the show, local musicians compete to show their talent. The Covey Center is located at 425 W. Center Street in Provo, and tickets are $15.
Sept. 24: Annual Festival of India
The Radha Krishna temple has hosted the India Fest to celebrate Ramayana for 29 years. This year will feature dance performances, cuisine and henna hand decorating. Events all lead up to the main event of the gala pageant and firework show. Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children. The temple is located at 311 W. 8500 South in Spanish Fork.
Sept. 24: Bridal Fair
A bridal fair will be hosted at the Utah Valley Convention Center, 220 W. Center Street, in Provo. Wedding professionals come to the fair to help brides plan their big day and save money. Brides can talk to different vendors, get new ideas or be pampered in the free beauty boutique. There will be giveaways throughout the day. The event is from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is free. Pre-registration is recommended for a better chance of winning the giveaways and the grand prize.
Sept. 24: Ripreza Run for Recovery
This 5K race and 1 mile run/walk helps raise money for the Ripreza Fund, which supports and helps raise money for people with addictions.
Tyler Gordon, one of the founders, explained why he is directing this cause.
'I'm a recovering heroin addict and started this foundation to help those that don't have the resources they need. Without those resources, it is hard for people to hear the message of hope and recovery that I did,' Gordon said. 'We like to help, even if it is just on a small scale.'
The race will take place at Cirque Lodge Residential Treatment Center located at 777 N. Palisades Drive, Orem. Each person who registers receives a finishers medal and raffle tickets to draw for prizes and food. Registering for the 5K is $5 and the 1 mile is free.